ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

This course is designedto meet the linguistic, academic, and cultural needs of students who have been identified as limited English proficient (LEP). English language acquisition skills are provided, and emphasis is placed on developing oral-aural communication skills in everyday situations, reading and writing, grammar structures, academic content, work and career decisions. The goal of the program is for students to individually attain levels of English proficiency, which will enable them to successfully graduate from high school , enter college, complete vocational training, and/or secure regular employment.

The program is structured in compliance with NYS Education Department Guidelines under part 154 of the Commissioner’s Regulations and reflects the goals of the English Language Arts Standards.

All students entering high school are identified as Limited English Proficient based upon completion of a home language questionnaire, interview with parents and resettlement agencies and the availability of prior school records. Students who speak a language other than English in the home are assessed for English proficiency using the Language Assessment Battery ( LAB ). This assessment determines the daily amount of ESL instruction each student receives and the level and content of his or her classes. Continued eligibility for ESL classes and proficiency level are determined annually using the New York State English as a Second Language Proficiency Test (NYSESLAT) as required by state regulations.